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Planes may get travelers there faster, but trains give the chance to see the route while traveling. With large swaths of open, undeveloped land, a train trip across Canada offers many spectacular views. VIA Rail is a government-operated company that provides train service throughout the country. Traveling on VIA Rail, passengers can journey from Halifax, Nova Scotia, on the east coast to Vancouver, British Columbia, on the west coast, and go as far north as Churchill, Manitoba. Smaller rail lines, such as the Rocky Mountaineer and Ontario Northland, intersect with the VIA Rail lines, offering further destination options.

Select the Destinations

Along with stopping in nearly every major Canadian city, VIA Rail passengers have the option of getting off at any of the over 450 destinations along the various routes. Each stop requires a new reservation and pass, so it’s best to plan the route first in order to know exactly how many train passes will be needed to complete the desired trip.

Train Schedules

Obtain train schedules to help plan the route. VIA Rail operates 19 different routes throughout Canada. The longest of these routes, the Canadian, stretches from Toronto to Vancouver and departs three times a week in each direction. Without any separate stops or detours onto other routes, the Toronto/Vancouver trip takes five days to complete, so be sure to plan the schedule accordingly.

Canrailpass-System

Consider purchasing the Canrailpass-System. The Canrailpass-System is an ideal way to travel on a limited budget. Holders of this pass get seven one-way economy-class train tickets anywhere within Canada over a 21-day period. Two different passes are offered: supersaver and discount. On supersaver there is less availability of seats, while with a discount pass, more seats are available and it is possible to make a reservation as late as one day before departure, while supersaver requires at least three.

Book the Train Passes

Just as with air travel, trains have classes of seating: economy and business. Within the business class, there is a further division. Passengers have the option of choosing between open “section” sleepers and closed “roomette or bedroom” berths. Even if you only have the money for an economy class ticket, there is still far more leg room than on any economy flight.

Stopover Destination Accommodations

As with other forms of travel, it’s possible to purchase packages that include both train passes and hotel accommodations. If intending to travel with a less time-restricted schedule it would be wise to bring a Canada travel guide to help plan the accommodations en route.

Items you will need

Train schedules

Train pass

Tip

Be aware that rates fluctuate depending on the time of year.

References

Resources

About the Author

Joanne Robitaille's first journalistic experience was in 1994, when she did school reports for a local newspaper, "Shoreline." Her articles now appear on various websites. Robitaille has a Bachelor of Arts in English and creative writing from the University of Windsor.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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